1st Box or maybe two

[Jagstownville]

Ok, like I have said in my introduction, I spend a great deal of time going through old posts trying to educate myself on everything that this site is about. There is soooo much information available and it's great. I am looking to make my first 2 habanos purchases. However, there are also soooo many opinions on this subject that I find myself walking away with scratching my head.

One of the best posts was back in Jan of this year I think. It was Todd(Todd asking for suggestions on his first purchases. I gain a ton of knowledge from that. Probably two of the biggest things that I learned were 1.) Buy one box that was smokable right away and 2.) buy another box that I could start to age for my collection. At least that is what I took away from it.

I know that this subject has come up many a times and will never be settled to the same answer from everyone. But, I would like the latest input from you guys now. Most of you have gained a ton of experience from a year ago and I would like to tap into it.

Thanks for your help and let 'er rip! opeyes:

 

[Wasch_24]

Another point to take in is that i had smoked about 80 different habanos at that point and new what I liked in a cuban cigar.

If you can, I suggest you try to hold off on buying whole boxes until you know what you do and don't like in a cuban cigar. Get yourself a few fivers or samplers here and there. :thumbsup:

 

[Poni]

I would also suggest getting a sampler. I'm sure one of the bro's can help you out if they now how much you are willing to spend.

 

[smokem94]

Todd is right on. Start with fivers and samplers to determine what you like. The box purchases will then be worth it as you will be getting what YOU like.

 

[Wasch_24]

Before I made that first purchase I probably bought about 50 sampler/fivers.

I didn't like all of the cigars I bought and in actuality I found that some of the most popular habanos on the boards were not to my liking.

 

[Jagstownville]

Point taken! Ok now, I like shorter smokes. Patience/Free Time is at about an hour or so at a shot. Give or take about 10 - 15mins. I like smokes that are from the mild to a little stronger. I like good flavors. A little bit of spice. Basically one with a medium type of finish but smooth. I guess, a cigar that when you get to the nub, you are trying to figure where to move your fingers so that you can get another couple of draws off of it. You know, the one you don't wan't to end. Well, I guess everyone wants that!!!

 

[Kurtdesign1]

Don't just buy a box of something because you like it. One of my first major purchases was a box of RASS. Stupid move. RASS take YEARS to mature and when you're a young collector, time to sit on cigars is somethign you do not have. Consider building your collection either with mature cigars available through most vendors or buy cigars tha ttake very littlel time to be smokeable.
Some words of wisdom I wish I'd have followed.

 

[smokem94]

Some suggestions based on your profile...
Diplimaticos #4
Monte Cristo #4
Bolivar PC
HdM Epicure #1
I'm sure others will chime in.

 

[cvm4]

Some suggestions based on your profile...
Diplimaticos #4
Monte Cristo #4
Bolivar PC
HdM Epicure #1
I'm sure others will chime in.

I'd also add the ERdM Choix Supreme and JL#1 to that list....The Boli PC and Monte #4 can be strong at times. I've found the ERdM to be very smooth and not build in strength to where you don't get a big nicotine rush.

 

[smokem94]

I'd also add the ERdM Choix Supreme and JL#1 to that list....The Boli PC and Monte #4 can be strong at times. I've found the ERdM to be very smooth and not build in strength to where you don't get a big nicotine rush.

Excellent additions Cliff......I can't believe I forgot the Choix Supreme....definitley the one to recommend for anyone starting out on Cubans....also very reasonably priced.

 

[Cigarbarr]

May want to try some San Cristobal El Principe's and Partagas shorts.
For the price, they cant be beat.
Those along with Bolivar PC's are my daily smokes.
Enjoy

 

[Kurtdesign1]

SC eP- I second this choice. These are some great Medium bodied, starter smokes

RdM CS - I also second this choice. No humidor should be without them. The problem is, they're so good with age I feel horrible telling you to pull the trigger on a young box to smoke now. I'd be too tempted to hold onto them if I was you.

Bolivar CJ - A moderately bodied smoke but one of Bolivars finest and easy to pallate if you're a newb.

Trini Reyes - Often overlooked due to it's age, but an absolutely lovely mild/medium bodied example of one of Cuba's finest Marcas.

Punch Punch - They are larger than most suggested, but I find them to be very mild, yet full of punch essence. Boxes with around a year of age are moderately easy to find and have already developed some nice flavors. They're not overly filled with Legero leaf so I find they tend to burn quicker than the norm. I have never seen an overly oily speciman so this may also be why I have found them to burn quickly.

HdM Le Hoyo du Prince- If you can find them, they are a quick burning, mild tasting FULL of flavor smoke that will challenge a beginner to try and find all the flavors present. I know many aficionados are down on Hoyo, but I find the line to have it's peaks & valleys just like any other Marca. No humi is complete without at least one representation of it to show for.

SLR Regios - Robustos always burn quick and to prove that, I tend to get the same smoking time as a PC if I give just a bit of effort. The large ring guage for a Robusto tends to mean additional seco leaves (I believe) with less oil to slow the burn. A Regio is a great medium bodied smoke that is a lovely break from the typical Cuban mold. Refreshing.

RG Panetelas Extra - A cheap, yummy MM that offers some excellent Rafael Gonzalez flavors while only setting your wallet back ~$85

Diplomatico #4 - My first box of Cubans and for that I love em. Milder than the Montecristo 4 but still offers all the typical tang, without going overboard on the tannins that a Monte often has. Chocolate & cream round it out with a hint of citrus. Terrific morning smoke or in the afternoon on an empty stomach.

Fonseca Cosacos (sp?) - I'm not the biggest fan, but many swear by these. Give em a try. They're a small, cheap, mild smoke you may enjoy.

RJ Coronitos en Cedro - Great cedar wrapped MM Romeo that is quite enjoyable when young. If you happen to hold onto a few of them for a few years, they adopt a terrific cedar like flavor. Best Romeo MM and easily found for under $100

EDIT: Juan Lopez Petit Coronas - A teriffic mix between typical J.Lo flavors & subtle Partagas type hints. Easily one of the best PCs available and absolutely, positively, without a doubt overlooked by most smokers. Don't let that be you! You won't regret buying them, I never have. Partagas tend to be overpowering when young, that's why I didn't suggest them, but these J.Los are a wonderful example of what beginners will get out of the normal Party profile. This is the only one of the line that the simalarities are this strong so I would recommend picking it up to get the essence of both lines without the strength typically associated with the smaller Party smokes.
Happy Smoking!

 

[tubaman]

I like smokes that are from the mild to a little stronger. I like good flavors. A little bit of spice. Basically one with a medium type of finish but smooth.

Rafael Gonzales Petite Corona
Por Larranaga Panatellas

Not two of the well known brands, but fit the bill of what you are talking about. However, I agree, you should find a vendor that will send you a sampler. They are out there.

 

[rpb67]

This forum is a big key in finding out what cigar is the one for you.

Reading various post about flavor profiles will lead you towards your likings.

Buying and trading with fellow Botls will get you established to your tastings.

Try to get a habano Sampler pack and smoke them slowly to get the flavors down that you like !

 

[Jagstownville]

Awesome help Guys! Craig,,,, I think you should write a book! Great stuff. Just talked to my real life bro. and he is hooking me up with RASCC & a ERdM Choix Supreme to try tomorrow. He also has several others that I will get my hands into sooner or later. I am looking forward to becoming a crack,, er herion,,,, er cigar addict!

Thanks again.

 

[jcgoldner]

Awesome help Guys! Craig,,,, I think you should write a book! Great stuff. Just talked to my real life bro. and he is hooking me up with RASCC & a ERdM Choix Supreme to try tomorrow. He also has several others that I will get my hands into sooner or later. I am looking forward to becoming a crack,, er herion,,,, er cigar addict!

Thanks again.

It won't take long for that to happen will the RASCC and ERdM CS!

 

[indyrob]

What??? No RJ Fans here? Man...

 

[Kurtdesign1]

What??? No RJ Fans here? Man...

:scratchhe

Look harder!! :waving:

RJ Coronitos en Cedro - Great cedar wrapped MM Romeo that is quite enjoyable when young. If you happen to hold onto a few of them for a few years, they adopt a terrific cedar like flavor. Best Romeo MM and easily found for under $100

 

[Jwrussell]

oooh..I AM a RyJ fan...will have to look for some of those. Thanks Craig.

 

[sportsmedjosh]

Where can I get a habanos sampler pack